City Issues RFI for Mixed-Use Development of 1.5-Acre Parcel Adjacent to Switchyard Park

Bloomington, Ind. - The City of Bloomington today issued a Request for Information (RFI) inviting experienced housing developers to indicate their interest in and qualifications for the development of affordable and workforce housing at a City-owned site adjacent to the soon-to-open, 65-acre Switchyard Park.  The City’s Redevelopment Commission (RDC) acquired the 1.5-acre parcel at 1730 South Walnut Street in early 2017 in order to help steer development near the park in ways that support the community’s long term goals, including affordable housing, quality of life, environmental sustainability, equity and inclusion, and economic development.  The lease for the property’s current tenant, the Night Moves club, expires at the end of 2019.  

The RFI solicits and identifies interest in the development of a project that will be an asset to the Bloomington community and leverage the site’s proximity to Switchyard Park, a former rail yard that has been transformed into a significant public amenity and regional attraction.   Proposals submitted in response to the RFI may offer a broad range of options, including housing for those experiencing homelessness, those in transition, and seniors, along with low-income, workforce, and market-rate housing, or some combination thereof.  

At the same time, the project may be developed as rental units or offer the opportunity for ownership; and may include a range of unit sizes, from studios to multiple-bedroom units.  The City seeks proposals that include at least 99-year terms of affordability. Additionally, the City seeks retail or commercial ground floor development that will provide ancillary services for the housing development as well as complement the current retail/commercial businesses and the adjacent entrance to Switchyard Park.

“As Switchyard Park is about to open to the public, it is exciting to have the chance to create high quality, affordable housing close to this valuable community asset and convenient to downtown,” said Mayor John Hamilton.  “We look forward to identifying a developer who shares our community’s vision of long-term quality of life for folks from all walks of life.”

The 1730 South Walnut Street RFI, including submission requirements, is posted on the City’s website.  Responses are due on Monday, December 9, 2019.

Photo:  The parcel for development at 1730 South Walnut Street is outlined in orange.